In Jewish tradition, they have a practice called Midrash. Essentially, this is a practice where you fill in the blanks of biblical stories. When you read scripture, do you ever imagine beyond the written text? What is not being said that could have taken place? For instance, if you are following the “read the Bible in a year” outline, then you are currently reading in the book of Joshua. As I have read through this book, I wondered, did Joshua ever have feelings of self-doubt? Did the Israelites ever compare him to Moses? After all, Joshua did follow Moses in leadership of the Israelites. Moses got to lead them through the desert, but Joshua got to lead them into the promise land. Did Joshua ever feel like he didn’t measure up or wasn’t worthy of leadership like Moses was? There is probably a time in most of our lives where we compare ourselves to others.

As a mother of a new baby, I have found myself innocently doing this same thing to my children. When a baby is first born, the first thing you try to do is figure out who they look like. Over the past couple of weeks, I have found myself saying, “I remember Jordyn making that face,” or, “Why won’t Lincoln take the pacifier like Jordyn did?” It is easy to fall into the trap of comparison and can often be harmless and helpful. However, it can also rob us from the joy of individuality. Each child was created unique on purpose and for a purpose. Each leader is built unique on purpose and for a purpose. Each church looks unique on purpose and for a purpose. You are unique on purpose and for a purpose. That uniqueness is something to be celebrated, not lamented upon or hidden.

We are fast approaching the holiday season. This season is filled with traditions that comfort us and keep us connected to each other. This year, this season might look a bit different. Perhaps, there might be some aspects of it that are unique to any other holiday season we have experienced before. My challenge for you is to find ways to celebrate that uniqueness and to not be afraid of it. Can you have your family from the other side of the country on Zoom all day as you cook and eat your Thanksgiving meal? Can you get creative and see who can make the most festive mask for the Christmas season? Can you enjoy a more intimate holiday work party and really get to know those co-workers better? Instead of spending this time of year wishing for things to be the way they used to be, comparing our time to what was, let us spend our time celebrating what is and creating new, more meaningful traditions. May the festivities begin and the comparisons end.

And now my sweet baby is crying… I will see you all soon!

From one light to another,
Pastor Hannah Loughman